Ferrari 612 Scaglietti.

The 612 Scaglietti is not a very popular member of the Ferrari family. More often than not, the big grand tourer is eclipsed by its prettier, sexier and nimbler sisters. Those shopping for a Ferrari are also likely to already have a “family car”. But famous Ferrari tuner hasn’t forgotten the 612, and has released a tuning package for the successor of the 456.

The 5.8-litre V12 engine gets a horsepower bump to 565 bhp from 530 bhp. Torque has increased to 609 Nm from 588 Nm. These new figures are achieved with the help of a “specially calibrated engine management system” along with Novitec’s high performance exhaust system. This means the Scaglietti’s 0 to 100 km/h time is down to just 3.9 seconds and top speed is 325 km/h.

Other additions include a new taillight design and a new tyre/wheel combination – 275/30 ZR 20 up front and 355/25 R 21 rears. Inside, one can customise the seats to their heart’s content. Leather seats can be custom tailored to body measurements and even the addition of lateral support and lowered seat positions for tall drivers can be done. Customers can go as far as choosing the thickness and material of their steering wheel. Like many supercars today, the steering will be flat-bottomed.

DMC Quattro Veloce kit for the Lambo Murcielago LP640.

While we do see Gallardos on our streets from time to time, the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 is a truly rare sight. But it may not be so unique in Beverly Hills or Monte Carlo, hence the need to dress up the car. For that, Dusseldorf based tuner DMC has come out with a 59,000 euro package called Quattro Veloce.

The QV kit consists of a redesigned spoiler, new hood, side vents and a new “stabilising diffuser”, all made in carbon fibre, of course. Up front, the Murcie gets a new front fascia with redesigned hood and intakes, plus a new splitter.

Inside, a touch of exclusivity is added by the use of ostrich leather whereas ostrich-like cow hide, which is said to be very durable, has been used for the rest of the interior. Add 40,000 euros for the optional leather treatment, carbon fibre seats and diamond forged white carbon wheels. Sounds like every rapper’s dream car.

Power from the 6.5-litre V12 has been increased to 670 bhp (with 660 Nm of torque), which allows the car to move from 0 to 96 km/h (60 mph) in just 3.2 seconds. Acceleration goes on to 343 km/h.

The heart of the beast is kept in a custom red carbon cage for added effect.

Volvo introduces new five-pot diesel, upgrades T6 engine.

Volvo has a new 2.0-litre five cylinder diesel powerplant for model year 2011. The 2.0D unit is new for the XC60 and XC70 and replaces the longstanding four-cylinder 134 bhp unit in the C30, S40, V50, C70, V70 and S80. In essence, the new diesel is based on the familiar 2.4-litre D5, but with reduced displacement from a shorter stroke for better fuel consumption. There are also piezo-electric fuel injectors for more efficient combustion. Available in various states of tune, the 2.0D can be had with a six-speed auto or manual.

As part of Volvo’s new engine nomenclature, all new engines will be badged based on power output. For example, the 148 bhp/350 Nm 2.0D in the C30, S40, V50 and C70 is named D3 while an uprated 175 bhp/400 Nm version of the same engine is labeled D4. In bigger cars like the S80, V70, XC70 and XC60 the 2.0D makes 161 bhp/400 Nm and is badged D3. The same format applies to the petrols, but with T instead of D.

Speaking of petrols, The T6 six-cylinder engine now offers 19 bhp and 40 Nm extra to make 304 bhp/440 Nm thanks to “reduction in internal friction”. Emissions have also been reduced.